The Poison Tree would have made a great Blur song. Think of what Graham could have done with it!

Completely agree! While I love this album and band, and think that Merrie Land fits perfectly under TGTBTQ, it's hard not to imagine how good it would be as a blur album as well. I would kill for a blur album about London (or England in general) produced by Tony Visconti. Merrie Land has definitely added fuel to my hopes for a future blur record.

I agree about a Blur album done in a similar way to Merrie Land, with the focus on Britain and the same production, Damon's passion for his country and observations come through so well when he is writing about his own country. With regards to what Blur could have done with Merrie Land, I have to admit it hasn't even crossed my mind as I think Paul, Simon and Toni bring something unique to this project which I don't think could be improved on. That’s not saying Blur couldn't make another great album, just not this one, but there aren’t any songs on this album I think what if... compared to some on Damon's solo album or even TNN where I did think Damon needed that extra influence to keep him in check.

As I have mentioned previously on posts, although I do love TMW I would love for Blur to go into the studio with a similar way TGTBATQ have and just jam together. I know they did that in the 5 days in Hong Kong but however fascinating the whole TMW story is much of the what came after Graham's/Stephen's work seems added on to this. Good (maybe great album) but I think so much more could have been done if given that extra time.

The Poison Tree would have made a great Blur song. Think of what Graham could have done with it!

Completely agree! While I love this album and band, and think that Merrie Land fits perfectly under TGTBTQ, it's hard not to imagine how good it would be as a blur album as well. I would kill for a blur album about London (or England in general) produced by Tony Visconti. Merrie Land has definitely added fuel to my hopes for a future blur record.

Given that e.g. Suede, Shed Seven, Black Grape, the Gallaghers (+ apparently Sleeper) have been in top form in recent times, is it too much to ask for a brand new, but good old fashioned, Blur album with the jauntiness of the Britpop period?

I got the Hardback book/CD combo for Chrismas and I thought it was a pretty decent edition for £20, nice book and really pleased the chords are in this, although I haven't played these yet, I would have paid £20 for this even without the actual CD. I'd have went for the more expensive options to get the download tracks but knew it would be a no go with the wife when writing my Christmas list..